According to NBC Sports and the Courthouse News Service, U.S. District Judge Joseph Spero stated today that he is unlikely to transfer a class action against MLB alleging violations of fair labor practices with respect to minor league baseball players to the Middle District of Florida. Judge Spero argued that transfer was unnecessary, as alleged violations were nationwide and involved numerous parties in and outside of California. This is viewed as a slight reprieve for the plaintiffs as California, the current venue of the lawsuit, is viewed as a far more labor friendly state than Florida, allowing the plaintiffs to more easily bring state law claims to go with their federal Fair Labor Standards Act claims. Judge Spero also gave the plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint in order to establish personal jurisdictions for the eleven MLB teams who sought dismissal for lack of minimum contacts.

Jason Fixelle is the Sports Highlight Editor for the Harvard Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law and a current second year student at Harvard Law School (Class of 2016).